Method for manufacturing x-ray tubes

Abstract

A method for manufacturing x-ray tube parts wherein metallic pieces are explosively bonded together to establish a high strength, stable union between them. The x-ray tube parts may then be milled from the bonded metallic pieces. The explosion bonding process creates only discrete intermetallic components in the joint region instead of a continuous, weakening intermetallic layer common in brazed joints. An explosion bond joint is characterized by a wavelike interface, thereby increasing surface area over which the components are bonded and further increasing bond integrity. Rotor sleeves and other tube components may be manufactured using this method.

What is claimed and desired to be secured by United States Letters Patent is:  
     
       1. A method for manufacturing metallic components of an x-ray tube, the method comprising the steps of: 
       providing at least a first and a second metallic component;  
       disposing the first and the second metallic component proximate one another;  
       disposing an explosive material proximate the first metallic component such that the first metallic component is disposed between the explosive material and the second metallic component;  
       detonating the explosive material such that explosive force produced thereby compresses the first and the second metallic component in such a way as to bond the first metallic component to the second metallic component; and  
       forming the first and the second metallic component into a rotor sleeve bonded to an inner jacket.  
     
     
       2. A method for manufacturing metallic components of an x-ray tube as defined in  claim 1 , further the comprising the step of: 
       coating the first metallic component and/or the second metallic component with a coating such that the bond formed between the first and the second metallic component is enhanced.  
     
     
       3. A method for manufacturing metallic components of an x-ray tube as defined in  claim 2 , wherein the coating comprises any one of a group of elements consisting of nickel, chromium, and copper. 
     
     
       4. A method for manufacturing metallic components of an x-ray tube, the method comprising the steps of: 
       providing a first x-ray tube component;  
       providing a second x-ray tube component; and  
       providing a bond interface between the first x-ray tube component and the second x-ray tube component, wherein the bond interface is formed by an explosion; and  
       wherein the first x-ray tube component, the second x-ray tube component and the bond interface together form a rotor sleeve bonded to an inner jacket.  
     
     
       5. A method for manufacturing a rotor sleeve and inner jacket for use in an x-ray tube, the method comprising the steps of: 
       providing a solid metallic cylinder;  
       disposing a hollow metallic cylinder coaxially about the solid cylinder such that a gap exists between the solid metallic cylinder and the hollow metallic cylinder;  
       disposing an explosive material proximate the outer surface of the hollow cylinder;  
       detonating the explosive material whereby the hollow metallic cylinder is bonded to the solid metallic cylinder to form a bonded cylinder; and  
       milling the bonded cylinder to define a rotor sleeve and inner jacket suitable for use in an x-ray tube.  
     
     
       6. A method for manufacturing a rotor sleeve and inner jacket for use in an x-ray tube as defined in  claim 5 , wherein the solid metallic cylinder comprises steel. 
     
     
       7. A method for manufacturing a rotor sleeve and inner jacket for use in an x-ray tube as defined in  claim 5 , wherein the solid metallic cylinder comprises 1018 steel. 
     
     
       8. A method for manufacturing a rotor sleeve and inner jacket for use in an x-ray tube as defined in  claim 5 , wherein the hollow metallic cylinder comprises copper.